Heavy rain failed to put a damper on the 20th Tribute To The Greats show at Curphey Place recently. Organizers honored 10 stalwarts who contributed significantly to Jamaica’s music industry.

Kingsley Goodison, who conceptualized the event in 1998, told the Jamaica Observer that not even unstable elements can stop his show.

Kingsley Goodison

“We give thanks for the people who came out and supported us; it meant a lot,” said Goodison. “It was a joyous occasion and a great feeling.”

Singer Nadine Sutherland, who started her career in the late 1970’s, was among the honorees. So too trombonist Calvin “Bubbles” Cameron; sound engineer siblings Dennis and Michael Thompson; Martin Williams, founding member of The Jamaicans; dancer/percussionist Alphanso Castro; singer Count Owen Emmanuel; photographer/musicologist Jerry Small; artist manager Olivia “Babsy” Grange; and musicologist and former Finance Minister Omar Davies. Grange was the lone absentee.

Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange

Music producer Danny Breakenridge hailed Cameron as one of the unsung heroes of reggae. He made his mark as a musician and music publisher.

“I have known Bubbles from around 1970; we first met at Harry J studio (in Kingston). He is a gifted and formally trained musician with one of the sweetest trombone sounds in reggae,” said Breakenridge. Cameron has also worked for many years in the National Pantomime movement.

Omar Davies

Goodison started Tribute To The Greats in 1998. Since its inception, over 120 individuals have been honored, including producer Clement “Coxson” Dodd, former Prime Minister Edward Seaga (a pioneer producer), singer Alton Ellis, and Australian sound engineer Graeme Goodall.